This week's sidebar poll: Does the Nexus program still matter?

Does Google need to stay in the hardware game?

Google's Nexus program has gone through a lot of changes. While never officially assigning a purpose to it, Google has suggested that Nexus devices came about as a way to get hardware with "pure" Android into the hands of developers. Official APIs and documentation, as well as unlockable boot loaders made it the phone to buy for both tinkerers and application developers alike.

We've watched things change, though. We've seen the prices drop dramatically, and seen them rise quickly. We've seen top-shelf hardware, as well as specs that are a bit older, as well as one-of-a-kind (so far) things like 64-bit processors. While nobody from Mountain View has said anything, pretty much every hardcore Android enthusiast now thinks that Nexus is a consumer brand. We certainly do.

So this brings our question for the week. Do we really still need a Nexus program? Google Play edition devices and emulators could serve as "pure" Android for application development, and there are plenty of options when it comes to unlockabe boot loaders for folks who like to roll-their-own Android.

Not as relevant as it once was. The Nexus 6 costs as much as other high end phones and Google has been letting Motorola cut in line for updates.

Having a device with pure Android running on it is great but it lacks most productivity and sometimes gimmicky but useful functions found on higher end devices. This wasn't an issue when a Nexus device was half the price of said high end devices but now why go for a Nexus when, for almost the same price, you can go for a device with much more functionality?

Maybe being first in line for OS updates is the strongest feature for the Nexus line but Motorola's Moto X was first to get Kit Kat and, now, will be first to get Lollipop.

No, it isn't as relevant now that other android phones are getting fast software updates. It is no longer a cheap developer tool either. The nexus 5 will be my last nexus product. I am looking forward to what Samsung comes out with next year.

I think Google muddied the waters with the Nexus 6, making it less relevant. It brings nothing to the table to showcase or differentiate the key features of Lollipop. If it had a 64 bit processor, that would have been relevant, but the most notable feature of the Nexus 6 over the Nexus 5 is the ridiculously large screen. That and the high price just bring it in line with the other OEM offerings. Now the only differentiation is pure Android and with Play edition devices available from OEMs the devs don't need Nexus. In fact, if Google focused on getting the OEMs to release Play edition devices at Android launch it would have been more valuable to the devs because they could be working on models the majority of the public is most likely to buy anyway. When Nexus was inexpensive it allowed smaller devs easier entry, but with the price effectively doubled it now offers nothing compelling. BUT - if they realize the mistake and bring Nexus in line with reality next year it could be very relevant again.

I get bored very quickly with vanilla android, and a nexus has never attracted me over a Galaxy device. However I still selected "more than ever" in the poll. To me, nexus is an event. Its Google, partnering with an OEM, to release a standalone phone. What 'standalone' means is subject for debate; software/price/hardware/availability

I was extremely bored with TouchWiz when I had it and replaced everything including the dialer. Vanilla Android is extremely flexible and only you put the limit on what you can do with it. If you feel bored, get some Xposed modules ()yes, I know that it will be a while before it hit Lollipop) and a good ROM etc. After going through different manufacturer flavors of Android, which resulted in a lot of app replacement and freezing of bloatware, I ended up on vanilla (or CM et al ROMs).

I consider Nexus to be important but it shouldn't be the only game in town for Google pure Android. Considering the death of Silver, an "Android Two" program that complements Android One should be created. I.e. a set of guidelines for makers of Google updated devices and also a continuation of the GPe line. With other words:

1. Nexus - Like we know it today.
2. Android Two - Android One for mid to high end. Devices designed according to Google guidelines with updates straight from Google.
3. GPe - Off-the-shelf flagships from different manufacturers running slightly tweaked versions of vanilla Android. Google supply the source code but the updates are handled by the device maker.

It is a problem when the choice is either vanilla in a Nexus or a different device where heavy modifications are included. It is time to spread the Google vision further and Android Two paired with GPe would improve things and give customers a decent choice. I like the GPe program and also Android One but it should be expanded.

The alternative to this is to hope for more CM powered devices, which is a great substitute for Google vanilla.

To me, it's still relevant. If the major manufacturers made GPE versions of their phones available (G3, GS5, GN4), then the Nexus line wouldn't be as important. Or, at least offer to sell their best sellers direct without all the carrier bloatware and unlocked. I would be very interested in purchasing any one of these phones without the carrier logo, bloatware and unlocked, but since I can't, I have to depend on the Nexus line. Yeah, I know I can get an international version of any one of these phones, but without LTE support, the international version is pointless. I'm looking forward to my N6.

An enhanced GPE program would be a lot better than the Nexus program. Manufacturers could release a device in the Play store a little cheaper than their flagship devices and they also could sell some of their flagship features through the Play store for these devices(even their launchers yes some people actually prefer/like them).

Price price price and price. Thats what maxe the nexus 4 and nexus 5 awesome and successful. After the debacle of having the galaxy nexus on verizon and an on contract price of $300 at launch going the mainstream route is going to be a problem. I bought 2 Nexus 5 with the latest hardware for the same peice as one Nexus 6. Price is what makes the nexus program relevant. Phones like the oneplus one wwer inspired by the nexus line. Motorola was inspired when they launched the original Moto X. The nexus program is only relevant so long as the specs and the price match. If that doesnt happen then it is going to be less and less relevant.

I just want a "pure" android the way god and google intended, not a play edition( modified android for that hardware)
If Nexus didn't exist, it would be all oem skins, can't count moto, they had google to straighten them out, and will they continue with the Iron fist of its new master ready to strike?

I want vanilla android, without having to work for it. I want my updates promptly, and without delay (carriers). The day either of those two options aren't available to me, I'm switching to iOS who does offer a "pure" experience without compromise.

I think the idea of what the Nexus program means to Google has shifted, initially it was solely to be a reference device for developers, and now is used to showcase Google Play and other Google services. I believe it's been this way since the Nexus 4 and 7 (2012) when they really started rallying around Google Play, especially considering that the very first icon you press when you boot these devices for the first time is a big Google Play icon (when you select your language;) ) and the first widget you see is the Google Play My Library widget. I remember during them saying during the N7 2013 unveil that the device was all about being perfect for consumption of Google Play content. I think that it has evolved from just being a developer tool that was never designed to be profitable by itself, into something that still serves the developer crowd as well as showcasing Google's offerings.

Nexus is relevant just not in the same way. It used to just be a developer device and then a cheap developer device to get them in devs hands but now it is a flagship and now that its availability is more mainstream in carrier stores I think we're going to see it take off.

Nexus is still relevant. I'm just waiting for the right Nexus (for me). I have an M7 right now and ready to jump to the M9. But I still believe that there will be another HTC Nexus with a 4.8-5.2" screen. Call me crazy but hey.

The Nexus program is important because it helps stir the fires among the open source community. Nexus is part of the reason we get things like CyanogenMod or ParanoidAndroid. It provides a hardware base and quick access to the latest working AOSP sources.

Now that we've reached the point of $650 Nexus devices I don't feel they are as needed. GPE devices serve that exact purpose. Previous Nexus devices provided an awesome experience with an affordable price tag.

Nexus has had a side-effect in showing companies that people want the stock experience, but can they really make it a commercially successful option? Of course the shortage is here -- as is expected every year -- but the real test is when the average customer will walk into a carrier store and see a Nexus 6 next to iPhone and Galaxy devices. Will people buy what is really still a new brand to them at the same price as the familiar premium devices? Amazon thought they could do it, and the Fire Phones are going to wind up in a landfill next to the Nokia N-Gages and Motorola ROKRs.

These days most carriers are fast to update their flagships with the latest android within a few months, especially the Google Play editions. In most cases Nexus devices will still get the updates ahead of others. One exception being the LG G3 which is already getting Lollipop.

I think that the pure Android software is relevant. Not so much the hardware. I think that Google should make their "pure" OS software available to all Android handsets AND make it easy for everyone to install (like Cyanogen has) that wants to.

Consumer choice in Android is great. The more the better. I feel now Nexus devices are particularly relevant because they are setting the standard for hardware manufactures w when they make next year's flagship's. I'm also a fan of vanilla Android, so that's a plus too. I'll never buy a device with some OEM skin. I can't name one that looks good.

It's not as relevant because if they're to be the barometer for stock, why does no one follow their lead? And now days do we WANT oems to? 4:3 aspect ratio tablets? 6"phones? I expect this nutty stuff from Samsung... Not Google. More importantly, 5.0 doesn't illustrate why these sizes and aspect ratios are now to be the norm. It's just different... Google basically admitting "nothing to see here, we're just a distraction."

I keep hearing that the reasons for the Nexus products are to showcase and test API and other changes during Android's development and as reference platform etc. Yet at least as early as the Nexus 5 that doesn't appear to be the case as that OS introduced the Infra Red Remote API and yet neither the Nexus 5 or 6 has the hardware, I'm sure there are other examples of contradictions.

BTW: I am very annoyed that the Nexus 6 still doesn't have one and am looking to see if anyone did a "Pressy" for Infra Red remotes (that doesn't stick out far, want to leave it in permanently)...

Nope...Nexus was about top flight specs, at a rock bottom price.
If Google gets in bed with the carriers, jacks the "off contract" price to 700
bucks, 300 "on contract" with a carrier, it will kill it. Maybe this is Google's
way of getting out of the hardware business by claiming low sales caused us to
rethink our strategy bla bla bla.

The only top flight specs that the nexus 5 offered was the SD 800 and 2 gigs of ram. A below average camera, below average display, and below average battery life aren't exactly top flight specs are they?........the nexus 6 however is a completely different story. It's about as high end as it gets by today's standards

They were thinking of offering premium devices that DONT cut any corners for a change. The Nexus 6 and 9's bill of materials aren't any cheaper than any other OEM's current high end hardware, so them , and Motorola aren't just gonna throw money away by selling them significantly cheaper than the competition

It will always be relevant. Outside of Moto with the recent efforts who offered stock android out the box ? As nice as the phones like LG and HTC look they don't offer the software experience offered by Google at the moment. Motorola is doing a great job as being an alternative though to those that want stock android and not what they may feel to be an unnecessary skin.

The one thing no one else has mentioned, and yes I read all the comments, is the fact that is not enough to convert an OEM phone into a GPE. software must be partnered with hardware! That's why all the GPE devices loose very important features they once had, ie. Boom sound on the HTC. Google will be the only one to create both a tablet and phone that was specifically made for the new version of stock android. That is what makes a Nexus a Nexus!!! +JerryHildenbrand

I think it is important that there is a device that has stock Android. Whether it be a Nexus or not doesn't matter though. It's pretty obvious the Nexus 6 wasn't even meant to be a Nexus device so they must have been pretty close to ending it. I am not sure why they scrapped the Silver program. Maybe there wasn't enough interest from the other manufacturers. I really do believe it is important to have at least one stock device on the market though.

Personally, I have never understood why people feel the need to berate each other just because they like something. Because of "how great they are?" Whatever dude, if that's what they like, let em' be loud and proud. Who are you to say what someone should or should not like?

How does having an option for a stock android device from each manufacturer make someone's day terribly boring? I would actually be excited to see each OEM have at least one device in their portfolio with stock Android. Not terribly bored.

Because what would be the actual difference between each device? How many windows phones are out there, and how many new ones have been released? It's that way because you can't do anything to them. Why have 6 of the same phone?

I don't think he said stop making all other options and only go with stock android devices. He simply stated that it would be cool for each manufacturer to have a stock android option in their portfolio of options. Not a terribly bad idea I presume.

Different strokes...It shouldn't cost them more since they've already made the phone, just make a new SKU with stock Android on it. Those phone they don't sell just reflash with the more exciting customizations. The worst thing that could happen is that they'd make those of us who prefer boring, stock Android a customer.

Sure it does. It matters to us but I don't think that's the implied point of the question. It looks like it matters to Google, and I don't mean just as a reference device - it's a brand like any other. A geek brand thus far, but the way I see it, they just took the training wheels off it to see how far it can roll on its own. They didn't have to go for such a leap with the form factor, they didn't have to stop subsidizing it. It seems to me like they want to put it out there, see how much traction they'll get with the carriers, properly. It will be interesting to see how much advertising they'll throw at it, how the brand establishes itself over the next year.
If it doesn't - they'll just move on like the google-bot they are :)

I think its still valid. I think the Nexus program really helped the OEM's out. After partnering with Google each one of them began to produce better Android phones. Plus it really is the best way for Google to show off the software.

Google has created a third operating system model. For 30+ years it's been a battle between Microsoft, who only created software and sold it to hardware partners, and Apple who built software and hardware together, and didn't license their hardware to other vendors (for the most part). Now Google partners with hardware companies to run their software, while also producing their own hardware reference device. It's worked well enough for them that other companies are following suit.

There are an estimated 74 million Linux [distro] desktop users. I am not counting the many, many hundreds of millions of servers and embedded devices (and derivatives such as Android). Since it is mostly free, it is hard to have it in a "commercial" model, though. But as an OS/platform, it is a major player. And since he said "operating system model", that CERTAINLY includes Linux. It was a total game-changer model in many ways. Claiming Google created the "third model" is quite insulting, actually.

I'm not, and most people don't include all those things though, because nobody buys an Ubuntu computer. I mean he is still wrong, because you kind of have to count iOS seperate if you count android seperate.

I don't belittle Linux in any way, but the unseen world doesn't really count as consumer important.

Nexus has never mattered, to Google, from a consumer sales volume standpoint. That was and is not the point, of the program. It matters primarily though as Google's method of demonstrating its evolvement of the Android OS. Absent a Nexus device, sure, they could do this only on a pure version of HTC or moto or anyone else, but that would be seen as endorsement of that one brand, thus alienating its OEM partners. Not cool. I think over the years of Nexus devices, the manufacturer isn't what/who is promoted, but the newest OS software. So, it matters to Google for platform development on their terms; it matters for developers who want or need a device without specific skins with which to develop; and to a far lesser extent it matters to the small percentage of consumers who like stock Android.

Imagine a tech world without Nexus devices. Who would Google use to promote its platform, without straight out unfair endorsement to other oems? Would any single option exist for purists, who want no oem customization? If developers developed only on Samsung or HTC, how would they know if the app is compatible with other OEM equipment? And so on....

One could say, well, you don't see Apple or WP with a "nexus" for development or showcase sake. And they don't need one, because of the severe lack of customization from the OEM manufacturers or end users. A WP device and OS runs similar on most all devices, regardless who made it because you can't customize the OS, only the hardware. Same with Apple, even though they control it all anyway. In a way that's a good thing, but of course it limits almost all customization of the OS, like in Android. And that is what has made Android the best, in that it can be infinitely customized by OEMs or end users. But with the blessing comes the curse, and that curse means you need a reference device to show what the creator of the OS intends.

Nexus matters. Pure Android matters. Just not as much for consumers as we consumers like to think it does.

Posted via mostly ghost taps on OG N7, in the Android Central App, therefore posts may not be my own.

Totally agree that manufacturers are tripping over themselves to get latest OS out, however, I don't think that is mostly due to the Nexus influence. I think that's more down to the fact this OS upgrade is a massive one and not an incremental. As a manufacturer, having a phone on sale which doesn't have the latest OS, especially going into the Xmas period, is what I feel is driving them this time

Yes, because they are tripping over themselves seemingly as an answer to Motorola's fast updates, not Nexus updates. 5 Nexus phones, no fast updates, one generation of fast Moto updates, everyone trying. But it also could be there was way more time to develop code, since the OEM's have had more than Zero days to get code from Google.

The Nexus is a reference device to make sure the OS works and for devs to make sure their apps work with the OS.
That's what Google said day 1 and that's what they said just a few days ago. They've never said it was meant for anything different. The problem is, some dude on the internet decided that they knew Google's business better than Google did. A couple of low priced Nexus devices where released and some dude decided that meant that Google wanted the Nexus program to be about low cost, high end devices. Google never strayed from what they said the purpose of the Nexus line is, but some dude on the internet said something different and the sheep flocked.
My answer to the question: The Nexus program as Google has always maintained it should be is now and always will be relevant.
The Nexus program as some dude on the internet and his flock decided it should be...who really gives a damn if that still matters?

I know this is not going to be a popular opinion here but I would love the Nexus 6. I got the Droid Turbo instead because of the features. I for one would have liked the Turbo to be 5.7 or 5.9. I like bigger phones. I really like the stock experience on Google and or Moto so that is what has kept me from buying Samsung phones. I don't like touch wiz.

Still the only way to get pure Android (moto is basically pure now too) so I think it's very important.
Unless everyone starts releasing GPE phones instead which may happen more now that nexus isn't cheap anymore.

They still need a nexus 5 replacement though arguably the new Moto X is just that.

People still don't understand what the nexus really it. It's not some special gift from Google to hackers, nor a linchpin in a strategy to conquer apple nor an irrelevant legacy device to be abandoned for some silver project. The nexus is a byproduct. It's a consequence of development. You can't test software on paper, you need a device. So you might as well have something to sell at the end of the development cycle to recover your costs. As long as android is under development the nexus will exist in some form or another.

I think the Nexus program did help show phone manufacturers that there is a group of enthusiast who prefer an unlocked stock experience device with fast updates. Looking at the way Lollipop updates are projected by LG,Sony,Motorola,and HTC it seems like the message was received by manufactures, I think Nexus program is less important now but it was a great road map. I hope it continues and grows with more choices. Nexus could have high-end and lower-end hardware at different sizes and specs.

What line are you referring too? The one that Google never made, and helped keep blurred by having no rules for using AOSP code? Or having basically no rules regarding getting the Play store on your version of Android? Let's not forget how much code Google has borrowed from the OEM's since Cupcake. Android was just plain bad back in those days.

There is most definitely a need for the Nexus program. What Google has done to it (Nexus in name only, ie Android Silver). Greatly reduces it relevance to the people it was targeted for. By going up market they are basically giving a giant middle finger to its loyal following. I wish them all the best but I like many will look in other places for our next phone. Sad part is they didn't have to do this.

That echoes my thoughts exactly. I like a mostly stock UI, and the Nexus line used to be the only real option for that. And speedy updates are important to me, and the Nexus line used to be the only option for that, too. Now that there are quite a few stock-ish options and OEMs seem to be starting to compete in terms of update release speed, both if those features are much less relevant now than they were last year.

Yes, more than ever. I believe by having the nexus line it is causing many manufacturers to push out android updates faster now. Now some are trying to push it out the same month! Years ago I had a "flagship" phone being the Motorola Atrix. It was one of the first dual cores. However it got outdated fast and never saw ICS. Also seems manufactories are going more pure and just adding "exclusive" brand apps which is smart.

Why would Nexus not matter? Did it not fit the size you wanted? Did it not get the price you wanted? When has it ever fit everyone's want and (1st world) need? Get over it, enjoy the diversity of the platform, things will be different again next year.

Just because I don't think I like this years devices (haven;'t got to hold them yet) doesn't men the whole program is a wash or has failed. I for one think Google doing a phablet reference device is just as valid as releasing another style. Again trying out a 4:3 device and demonstrating how to develop software and hard ware for this form factor is also important.
I don't like either of these things but I respect the market for them.

I felt the same about the Nexus 9, but decided to order one. Interestingly, I am quite enjoying it. I use it almost exclusively in portrait, whereas with the other Android tablets I've had I almost always used landscape. It is actually an interesting option to the iPad Air, because I don't care for iOS.

Absolutely. Nexus may have changed faces but even so that is fine. I don't see the GPE section continuing but there will always be a need for a pure Android experience. Galaxy's have TouchWiz, HTC has Sense, Nexus has stock.

More than ever. As companies like Samsung, and carriers like Verizon try harder and harder to make Android "theirs" by putting as much of their DNA in the phones as possible, someone has to stand guard and ensure there will always be a pure Google experience. Personally I still do not have the confidence that if left on their own, many of these carriers and manufacturers would bother to consider keeping the general look and feel of Android. They would change things as much as possible for market differentiation and lock things down as much as possible to keep customers. Really, there is no advantage for carriers or manufacturers to keep up with software updates. They rather you keep buying a new phone... always. Google can at least keep everyone close to honest by always showcasing what the "pure" experience is supposed to be. They can at least be the ones that keep their phones always up to the latest OS version, thereby, again, making the other companies at least try to keep up to date...even if half-heartedly.

No, there must always be a Nexus program or something very close to it from Google. If they don't bear the torch and set the standard, I don't trust that anyone else would. Just my 2 cents.

But that is assuming one likes vanilla Android. I find it very dull (at least until Lollipop...I really like where Google went with this iteration). But I think that is also Google's intention. They want the OEMs and devs to make Android their own. More different experiences=more customers with Android phones=more marketing dollars for Google. It is the reason Google made Android open source to begin with.

There is a better argument that Android is all the OEM's and not Googles. Ya, Google makes a ton of money off Android, but way more people know Samsung's, HTC's, Motorola and LG's Android than Googles. Material Design and Lollipop are Google's attempt at taking credit for everything. I'm undecided if it's a good or bad thing though, as it feels it's a little against the "spirit" of Android. But I suppose, like most shared things in life, someone wrestles control and takes ownership of that thing. We may be entering a new Android era, but it may not be the one we all want.

I wouldn't go as far as that. Android is still Android with all the skins and Google is the developer of the OS. I think that if your argument were true, then OEMs would either go the Samsung route (developing their own OS ala Tizen) or they would ignore Googles direction and take the OS exclusively where they wanted. What we have now, I think, is Google developing Android and the OEMs just tweaking it to differentiate themselves. I do agree that most consumers are more familiar with TW, Sense, etc. But I think Google is fine with that.

I can agree to a point, maybe I'll add a caveat that I didn't get out. Android to consumers is the OEM'S. I also agree that Google is fine with that, but it seems lately they are not so much. The "powered by Android" on all boot screens, the new add campaign, and the Nexus 5 at least appearing to try to compete with flagship phones. Time will tell, we will probably be able to tell more this time next year.

That's a good point. The Nexus serves not only as a reference device for developers to build apps on, but also as a sort of reference device for OEM s to emulate. The Nexus emphasizes important hardware elements that Google wishes to focus on, such as introducing on screen buttons and the removal of SD cards in the past.

There are many valid arguments for and against the Nexus program. But most importantly is the choice it affords people. Im a fan of vanilla Android and its lack of carrier bloat. Im no root user so nexus is my choice but I am very much aware of the need for all the oem manufacturers and their impressive take on not only the software but hardware as well. Long live choice!

yup, everyone keeps forgetting that the Nexus serves primarily as a reference device for developers. The Nexus 6 is the first phone Nexus with a QHD screen, which tells us that Google is pushing developers to future proof their apps by preparing for larger form factors and higher pixel densities.

Running an app in emulator and running it on native hardware are still going to be completely different experiences. Plus, I don't know of any current laptop on the market that can emulate a QHD screen to ensure an app is scaling properly and looks good at that resolution.

I wouldn't say they missed the mark with the Nexus 6, I think they hit exactly the mark they wanted. But I also think they threw away a lot of sales to do so.

An early article mentioned some poll that found 50% of respondents said they'd buy the Nexus 6. The flip side of that is the 50% that wouldn't. Now included in the "wouldn't buy" would presumably be those who wouldn't buy a Nexus regardless, but this is really the first time a Nexus phone features something that makes it literally undesirable to a percent of potential buyers - you could buy the 32 gig versions of previous phones to alleviate the lack of expandable storage, and the non-removable battery life has mostly been acceptable. But there's simply no getting around the size of the Nexus 6, and that absolutely rules it out for a lot of people.

It hasn't helped that there has never been an official stance on what a Nexus really is. Each new phone has targeted different things - it's a developer phone, it's a fancy new feature phone (curved screens), it's a high-end budget phone (N4, N5) and now it's apparently a display of gratuitous excess. While it is cheaper than comparable phones, it's still not as cheap in comparison as the N4 and N5 was.

Honestly, I think the Nexus line is indicative of Google as a whole - somewhat aimless. They're all over the map sometimes, and I think the best approach is that when something they do works for you, hop on and enjoy the ride. But don't assume they're always going to be heading towards your ultimate destination, because in all likelihood they're not, or won't be for long.

I've actually started to distance myself from their services overall because of their inconsistencies. I need things to work, and I'm finding it more cost effective to pay for services directly - with cash, than indirectly through a supply of data to be analyzed, harvested and sold.

Of the 12 apps on Google Play I'm holding out updating until I see consistently good reviews 8 are Google apps. I don't know what is going on over there at Google HQ but this last year most of their apps have been riddled with bugs or just plain not working at all. Their apps used to be flawlessly now I'm finding myself looking for alternatives before I end up throwing my phone out the window in frustration. It sucks having to revert back to the factory default version of the app that came with my phone because I forgot to read comments before updating.
The other thing I've noticed Google doing over the last few months is deleting reviews that weren't favourable and and letting other developers do it to. I can't leave a bad review of the Facebook app on Google Play without it being deleted within a few minutes. The only way to get around it is if you haven't left a bad review before rate it 5 stars and then speak your mind.

Well said! I own a N5 and I really enjoy it! I bought it mainly because of the specs/price...and now that I have experienced "pure" Android,I could never go back to a skin-applied phone! I'm glad there's an alternative smartphone (Nexus) out here in the mobile industry,but I'm afraid the N6 will be the last of these great phones!

Yeah, its size is a turn-off, for sure, but one I could easily look past if it held true to every other aspect of the nexus program we've all grown to expect. The one big point that made it a 100% sure thing that I will not be buying one is the price. The moment I saw how expensive it is I made up my mind. Nexus devices are supposed to be subsidized. They are supposed to be that way to compensate users for potential pitfalls and issues, as well as to thank those developers who buy them for using it to create apps, rom features, kernels, and overall, help Google offer a better experience to the average end user who does not own a Nexus. The price is also intended to reflect the trade-off of the device lacking several features found standard on most other devices, like a removable battery and SD card. However, its price plants it squarely among the most expensive unlocked devices available....the exact opposite of what we've come to expect. For the price of a Nexus I could own literally any other unlocked android I want....GS5, G3, M8, Z3....no joke, for $30 more than the 32gb model I could buy an Xperia Z3, still have an unlocked bootloader, run AOSP, a removable battery and SD card, a WAY better camera, FAR better build quality, and everything else that keaves something to be desired with this, and every Nexus before it.

Google seriously screwed up with the pricing this time. Hell, for this price I could almost buy 4 Moto Gs!! That's saying something, don't you think???

I'd like to know where you are getting your information? Was the Nexus subsidized? Yes. Was it "supposed" to be subsidized for the made up reasons you presented? No. Accept what Google puts out or don't. And for gods sake, stop acting like you know what you're talking about. I always wondered who this "some guy on the internet" tdizzel is always referring to. I think you fit that bill.

I think google has conditioned people to think a Nexus phone should be cheaper, but that was only the case for the N4 and N5. The One, Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus were all priced similarly to the N6. If anything, the N4 and N5 were the exception to the rule.

The price is a bit hard for me to swallow but the size is the deal breaker for me.

I don't care about the price as much as the size. 5.5 inches I could have handles but this thing makes a person like me who is small with tiny hands, hard to swallow. Still sort of want it but I know I'm gonna be mad having a phone that large.

Yes the Sexus will always be relevant. It's the only one that can branch off into a cologne that attracts all the ladies. Oh baby you smell sooo good. What is that? Nexus? Naw babah, it's Sexus. Now make me a ham samich then after I'm done eatin, let me fondle them toes of yours with some warm lavender olive oil babah. Yeahhhhh.